Saumur-Champigny
Red — avg 89.2/100 Wine Enthusiast score
89.2
range 84–94
$33.6
23
red
Saumur-Champigny — a Loire Valley red appellation. Across 23 expert reviews the average Wine Enthusiast score is 89.2/100.
Appellation profile
Scores at a glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average score | 89.2/100 |
| Score range | 84–94 |
| Average price | $33.6 |
| Review count | 23 |
| Color | Red |
Dominant varieties
0
Relative standing in the Loire
Rated above the Loire Valley median — a consistent performer in expert tastings.
Tasting notes
Signature flavor descriptors
Across the aggregated expert reviews, the descriptors most frequently associated with this appellation are: tannin, rich, smoky, structured, lime, cherry, currant, spice.
Top-scored wines
| Wine | Producer | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Château de Parnay 2014 La Coulée du Méridien (Saumur-Champigny) | Château de Parnay | 94/100 | $120 |
| Château de Parnay 2014 Saumur-Champigny | Château de Parnay | 92/100 | $50 |
| Château de Parnay 2014 Saumur-Champigny | Château de Parnay | 92/100 | $50 |
| Château de Chaintres 2011 Clos des Oratoriens (Saumur-Champigny) | Château de Chaintres | 91/100 | $36 |
| Château de Chaintres 2011 Clos des Oratoriens (Saumur-Champigny) | Château de Chaintres | 91/100 | $36 |
Sample expert review
The Meridian in the name is the zero-longitude Prime Meridian which passes through this vineyard. The wine, with its minty flavors from new-wood aging, is serious, concentrated and with an impressive structure. The dark firm character of this wine promises plenty more aging. Drink from 2020.
— Wine Enthusiast, on Château de Parnay 2014 La Coulée du Méridien (Saumur-Champigny)
Terroir & Heritage
Heritage neighbours
Nearby protected monuments that share the Loire terroir include:
- Maison de Richelieu
- Moulin-cavier de l'Ecuelle
- Château de la Grandière
- Ancienne abbaye de Saint-Père-en-Vallée, actuellement annexe du lycée Marceau
- Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Le Pallet
UNESCO cultural landscape
This appellation sits within (or adjacent to) the cultural landscape covered by the Val de Loire UNESCO inscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average score of Saumur-Champigny wines?
Saumur-Champigny averages 89.2/100 across 23 expert reviews on Wine Enthusiast, with a range of 84 to 94.
How much does Saumur-Champigny wine cost?
Average price across reviewed wines is $33.6. Actual retail prices vary by vintage, producer and distributor.
What type of wine is Saumur-Champigny?
Saumur-Champigny is predominantly a red wine appellation of the Loire Valley.
Data source: Wine Enthusiast expert reviews (data.culture.gouv.fr). Last updated: April 14, 2026.